Safety and efficiency evaluation of an innovative plasma jet array in argon by gas switching technology

Wound healing is an important and still challenging task in modern medicine. In particular, the therapeutic options of treating chronic wounds linked to diseases like diabetes are limited. One promising approach is the application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) via medical plasma jets or dielectric barrier discharges to specifically stimulate the healing process of non-healing wounds. However, limitations occur regarding the treatment area in case of plasma jets. Thus, an innovative plasma jet array system (PJAS) was developed to extend the capabilities of established plasma jets in treating large chronic wounds. Utilizing a patented gas switching technology, the PJAS aims to provide an effective treatment over larger areas within shorter application times. The determination of performance and safety indicators included measurements of leakage current, temperature, OES and reactive species output. Values are compared with a medical plasma jet (PJ) system, the kINPen® MED. Findings indicated that the plasma jet array system showed enhanced efficacy compared to present medical plasma jets. Systematic analyses of leakage current, neutral gas temperature, and emission spectra confirmed the device's safety. A two-step observation was found in the effluent temperature profile of the PJAS with a possible relation to free jet physics and the argon enriched zones.